First half goals from captain Bara Kavanova and Meg McCaughan put Brighton in front but Wanderers were back on level terms at half-time and snatched victory late on.

“The Women’s 1s travelled to London this Saturday knowing it was going to be a tough one due to weather conditions and missing three players from the starting XI,” reports Bara.

“We started slow, lots of people playing out of positions which resulted in miscommunications. We had a few attacks and as it happens we didn’t quite make it back and Wanderers scored when they outnumbered us.

“We knew there was still time to get back on track and after a combination from a long corner we scored an equaliser. Didn’t take long before we had a series of short corners and Meg McCaughan unmistakably found the right corner of the goal.

“Unfortunately we didn’t manage to sustain the lead and just before halftime Wanderers scored from a short corner too.

“Tired but determined we entered the second half defensively. We were more responsible; however we were still unable to score even though our youngsters Sumi Slaughter and Clare Mcfall were giving Wanderers defenders a really hard time.

“Having missed a couple of short corners and saved a few at the other end, Wanderers ended up being the happier side as we yet again after an unforced error didn’t manage to get back.

Brighton are at home on Saturday to Henley on Saturday. Pushback at Blatchington is at noon.

With six other teams called off due to high winds and flooded pitches it was left to the 8s to brave the elements and they excelled in drawing 1-1 with Sussex League division three leaders Crowborough 2s.

Nancy Pickford reports: "Despite torrential rains hammering across our faces, tornado winds whipping through our ears and razor-sharp leaves slicing our thighs, the women's 8s battled the odds against league-table toppers Crowborough this Saturday.

"While the rest of the UK was snuggled up watching the Rugby World Cup, we played hockey and did what it says on the tin... tight core, strong defence, great passes, fast runs ... and took the lead with a short corner, scored by Abby, in the first 10 minutes.

"The rest of the game saw us hold our form, thwarting constant set pieces by a slick opposition, who seemed browbeaten by our sheer energy and resilience in horizontal winds and rains. The second half brought an equalising goal from Crowborough, but we held form, forwards well positioned for some great runs, backs providing a dynamic attacking defence, mids swarming everywhere and our goalie shielding the goalline with constant grit.

"When the whistle blew time, it might have been a draw 1-1 but we felt like winners as we schlepped our bedraggled carcasses back into the clubhouse for teas. What a game!"